About Me

I am a self-taught jewelry designer with a passion for the creative. I have a background in all sorts of things creative, that has overflowed into my Jewelry making. I have been a Hair Stylist, I have dressed retail showcases, been a make-up artist, I have done gift-baskets, centerpieces and studied & dabbled in interior design and graphic arts . I am always looking to educate my self more and more. I'm just a natural girl, living in this world, spreading peace and positivity.

Monday, April 25, 2011

As I thought about what I could post to update this blog, I saw this video. My city is in a a lot of turmoil right now and we need all of the prayer and help we can get. I know that we are not the only city in chaos right now, but this is something that needs attention, quick. There is always negativity in the news about Flint with maybe a sprinkling of positivity, but the bad always seem to outweigh the good. There is more to Flint than criminals. We have super smart kids that are going places and doing positive things too.

I am proud to be from Flint, Michigan, always have been. Even when I moved away and I would tell people that I was from Michigan, the first thing that came out of their mouths would be, "Detroit?". "NO! I'm from Flint!" would always be my response.

There are great people that come out of Flint, always have been and always will be. We have the championship rings, trophies, Grammies and even an Oscar to prove it. This video put all of that in one little spot so we can remember that we are are great, we are champions. Please pray for Flint.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Made on a lazy Sunday since I didn't make it to service. :( Here's a few pics of what I have done today. They will be on Etsy soon.

SN: I need to sit down and make a schedule on how I am going to keep up with all of this internet activity, make jewelry, take, edit, upload pics, blog, fb, twitter, among other sites I have to check into and still go to work everyday.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

So I was so excited to use my new stuff and I couldn't wait to use it! I had to share with you how the ear wires came out. First I had some 24g wire that still does not seem to harden enough for a heavy dangle, but I think they will be fine for a light weight bead or crystal or something. The pair below are made with a 20 or 22G (oops I can't remember, the tag got lost). But they seem great. I thought they were perfect for a heavier decoration. That is why I used smokey quartz rondells and a green chrysocolla. I think they turned out pretty good. These are what I call my Decorated Hoops. They will be in the Etsy Shop soon!

I love the look of handmade sterling ear wires and I have finally got some new tools to make my ear wires better. I have made them before but the acrylic block I was using to harden them on just wasn't good enough. And I was filing the end with some files, but I was always scared they weren't smooth enough. I already had the hammer, so with the help of some coupons :) I've got what I think will make the process and the earwires even better. I haven't made any in a while, so we will see how this works out. Watching Ms. S. from Magpie helped out.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

From one of the blogs I follow - Money, Magic and Mayhem: Video: How to Make Earwires: "I have always loved Szarka at Magpie Gemstones. She is such a lovely person, always helpful and cheerful in her posts both on Facebook, and..." Thanks so much for the great post, I had to share again.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

As I sit here on a Sunday evening thinking about what I could write about on this blog besides The Velvet Box, a lot of things come to mind. First I am not the type of person to tell a lot of my personal business to people, well family and friends let alone to strangers on the Internet. But I am a person that thinks very deeply (sometimes to a fault) with very strong opinions and the more I read other blogs, the more I feel inclined to share some of those thoughts and a little bit about myself. Because I didn't feel like beading or taking pictures or promoting anything tonight.

First of all I thank God for allowing me to be where I am right now, even though things are not exactly the way I would like them to be, I know that His purpose, plan and timing is right. I have no other choice but to trust God and let His will be done. Now if you are reading this and happen to not believe the way that I believe, I am sorry, I am not here to offend anyone, but to me Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. I thank Him for loving me and giving me forgiveness, mercy and grace each and everyday in spite of myself. I am not a judgemental person because I never claimed to be perfect. In my eyes we all have a long way to go and much to learn. No one knows everything, the day you stop learning is the day you die.

A little bit about me...

To my family I am somewhat eccentric. Sort of one of the hippies in the family. I have a cousin Sharonda who probably should have been my sister because we are a lot alike and let me tell you we get teased about our ways.

Some think because of your culture or the way you were raised limits you to what your personal tastes should be. Well I say wrong. We all develop our own likes and dislikes according to what you are exposed to or what you let yourself be exposed to, and I just happen to expose myself to a lot of different things. (according to some)

Music

I love music. I played flute and percussion in school and always sang in choirs. My Mother had a wide taste in music, but not as wide as me. I know she planted the seed for my varying tastes in music. I like real music and real singers, not manufactured, auto-tuned pop stars that the record companies force down your throat and brainwash you into thinking they are the best thing since sliced bread. I could write all day about this subject, but I am just going to give you a sample of some of the people that I have in personal collection and admire. NOTE: This list does not include any of my favorite Gospel artists, there are very many of those and I can spark the debate on whether you should listen to secular music or not, although I feel that you should be careful about what you expose yourself to, I am not here to do that. (after I just wrote all of that I just thought why I am writing a disclaimer about my music list?... whatever)

OKAY! Enough!. You get the point... lol.
I didn't think that I wound go on and on, but I just about got carried away. This is just a little insight about me for now. I probably will talk about some other stuff later, like food, movies, natural hair and fashion in more Random Thoughts

Friday, April 1, 2011

Congratulations! Rachel E. is the winner of the first giveaway of the year from The Velvet Box. She chose these elegant earrings, and I say she made a good choice. Rachel also has a shop on Etsy. Check her out when you have a minute, she has some very nice items. RaeoLight

Thanks to those who participated and stay tuned for more giveaways throughout the year.